A significant proportion of Britain's healthcare is provided by practitioners in the private sector who have the skills and capacity to undertake procedures quickly and cost-effectively.

HIGH QUALITY SERVICES

A wide range of high quality services is available to purchasers by way of established agreements between the public and independent sectors. Independent healthcare facilities include:

Private hospitals and clinics

Private nursing and residential homes

Private patient units in NHS Trusts

Independent acute psychiatric hospitals

THE BENEFITS OF PARTNERSHIP

Continuing partnership between the independent sector, the NHS and local authorities means:

There is more choice for service purchasers

NHS Trusts can in many cases buy services from independent hospitals to reduce pressure on resources

INDEPENDENT HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION

The Independent Healthcare Association (IHA) is a body representing the UK's independent healthcare sector. It aims to promote the highest standards in independent health and social care. Members of the association include charitable and private providers of: